in restaurants more typically carioca, and in areas that are not especially touristy, often only one menu is given to the male - some say this custom stems from letting the male choose according to his budget and the prices on the menu, others take a more romantic stand on the issue and claim this is done so that couple can choose dishes together since they are sitting side by side.  

no matter the reason, receiving only one menu should not be considered a sign of poor service, rather it should be accepted as a local custom.

in all restaurants, the male is generally expected to order for himself and his companion.